2026 Dennis Brigham Photography Grant

2026 Dennis Brigham Photography Grant Guidelines

The Norman Arts Council is pleased to announce the inaugural Dennis Brigham Photography Grant, designed to support emerging and established photographers. Grant funds may be used to advance an artist’s photography practice, including expenses such as equipment, travel, and exhibition materials.

The award amount is $1,000. 

Deadline: Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CST

Artists who identify with an ethnic, cultural, sexual, gender, economic, or ability minority are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants must reside in Norman, OK. One award will be granted annually.

The Grant is to honor Dennis Brigham, a vibrant, vital part of the Norman Arts Community. Dennis 

The Dennis Brigham Photography Grant honors Dennis Brigham, a vibrant and valued member of the Norman arts community. Dennis served on the Norman Arts Council Board from 2017 to 2026, including as Board President from 2022 to 2024.

Dennis found his passion not only through his family but also through the lens of a camera. Although his interest in photography began at an early age, he set it aside in adulthood. We are forever grateful that he rediscovered this passion and dedicated his time to exploring and capturing the Oklahoma landscape. His photographs and body of work serve as powerful reminders of the beauty that surrounds us and the lasting legacy he leaves behind.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Applications will be reviewed by the Norman Arts Council Programs Committee in accordance with NAC policies and evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Artistic excellence and potential: Demonstrated artistic quality, originality, and commitment to developing a consistent body of work, as evidenced by images of past work and other supporting materials.
• Career-stage consideration: Applications will be evaluated in the context of the applicant’s experience and career stage. Reviewers are not expected to compare an artist’s first project with an established 20-year practice.
• Thoughtful use of funds: A clear and purposeful plan for how grant funds will support the applicant’s photography practice.
• Community representation: The applicant’s ability to effectively and thoughtfully represent the Norman community through their projects.

ELIGIBILITY 

Artists must:

· Have resided in Norman, OK for at least the past 12 months 

· Submit a completed application by November 11, 2026 via this website

· 18 years of age or older

SUBMISSION

Submissions must be submitted electronically via this website. Paper submissions will not be accepted. The application must include:

• Electronic Application
• Artist Bio
• CV - Emerging artists may include education, self-directed projects, community work, publications, or online presence in place of exhibitions
• Grant Proposal Narrative– Including:      
  • How would these funds extend or challenge your existing work? How will this help you develop your practice?
  • How will it support your work as an artist?
  • Desired outcomes of what the grant will help you achieve.

· Project Budget – Please be as detailed as possible, noting the use of the Grant fund along with any other funds your project will require. The budget must include: 

o Expenses - itemized and with notes if necessary

o Income – include the Grant along with details of any other funds and their sources. Matching funds are not required

o In-kind” donations should also be noted as offsetting income

• Work Samples - Include a minimum of FIVE (5) and a maximum of TEN (10) recent (nothing more than 5      years old) samples of your work. Samples may be images, audio files, video files, or presentation files.
• Work Sample ID Sheet - Include Title, year, medium, and brief description for each sample.
• Additional Support Materials - You may include additional materials that will help support your application, including letters of recommendation.

*For questions, please reach out to the Norman Arts Council at cher@normanarts.org at least 48 hours before the application deadline. *The Norman Arts Council reserves the right to withhold any awards based on the lack of qualified proposals.

Award Recipient Requirements 

· Return the signed Contract/Cash Request to the NAC, agreeing that the award will be used strictly for the purposes outlined in the Project Narrative.

· All Grant Recipients will create a final community presentation discussing the outcomes of their project. This will be scheduled with the NAC, the date to be determined.

· Complete a Final Report within 60 days after the completion of your project.